BOC ties up with US, UN to bolster trade

Amid efforts to ease two-way trade of goods and fight smuggling, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) has partnered with the United Nations and the United States Embassy to explore possible joint initiatives.

Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio said in a statement the partnership with the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (Escap) is in line with the ongoing efforts of the bureau to promote and advance the trade facilitation agenda among relevant stakeholders.

The BOC through its National Trade Facilitation Champions and UN Escap recently held a joint consultative session to get valuable inputs for the feasibility study on the electronic exchange of trade-related data and documents in the Philippines.

Trade facilitation

Also, this partnership falls under the Framework Agreement on Facilitation of Cross-border Paperless Trade in Asia and the Pacific.

Rubio said the study aims to expedite the implementation of digital trade facilitation measures for trade and development between Escap and the Philippine customs.

The feasibility study also delves into a comprehensive analysis of the technological capabilities, legal frameworks, and operational requirements necessary for the implementation of electronic trade data exchange.

“We believe that the implementation of paperless trade will not only help us achieve these objectives but also enhance transparency and reduce expenses,” Rubio said.

Meanwhile, the BOC and the US Embassy-Manila Special Operations Command Pacific INDOPACOM (Indo-Pacific Command) convened on May 18 for a consultative meeting.

The meeting was intended to explore potential areas of cooperation, intensify border control, and strengthen the relationship between the two agencies.

“The establishment of a strong collaboration between the BOC and the US Embassy will undoubtedly enhance the capabilities and technical know-how of BOC personnel,” Rubios said.

“This will create opportunities to intensify border protection and combat smuggling further,” he added. INQ